How much should you expect to pay for a DJ for 5 hours?

Ive talked to a few DJ's and they said that they are able to play music for ceremony and reception - same venue (but different locations onsite) Im not sure where you are from, but Im expecting to pay max of $1500 for DJ in New England, I know some girls on WW got DJ's for around $750. So I think you just have to do your research and talk to a few DJ's

I paid 500.00 for my DJ for 5 hours. But that was some super sale he had going on. Most other DJs were 800-1000 for the night. My venue has 3 separate areas, the courtyard (for the ceremony), the main house (for the seated dinner), and the Cantina (for the dance/reception). My DJ was familiar with the layout and said he'd set up his equipment in the Cantina, then move the speakers out so they can be heard in the courtyard during the ceremony and that he could hook up his laptop to the in house sound system in the main house for dinner. But he did say that there are times when 2 separate DJs are necessary. Like if you have your wedding at a resort and the ceremony is on the 18th green, if you don't have a separate DJ already set up in the reception hall then the guests will have to wait until the DJ tears down his equipment, moves it to the reception and sets up before music is on. So I think it depends on the set up of your ceremony and reception.

I was also expecting to pay between $800 and $1,000; possible more, but a DJ that I know and like has offered to do it for $199. I was so excited when he offered because I was contemplating an iPod set up.

Wow! $199 is awesome!

$199 is awesome - and scary! The way I see it, at $199 you've either got a great DJ who doesn't know how good he is (or he would charge what he's worth), or he's not very good. That seems like a coin flip on the biggest day of your life. I'm not saying good DJs can't be cheaper, but $199 is "red flag" cheaper. Please approach with caution. If you were offered a 2009 Mustang for $500, your first thought wouldn't be "what an awesome deal", it would be "what's wrong with it?" - and rightly so.

The original poster mentions pricing for a 5 hour event. Obviously markets differ, but you'll very rarely find the vendor that will enhance your day and give you a lifetime of memories at the lowest price in the area. I know here in the Midwest, between $700 and $1500 seems to be the ballpark for QUALITY pros. In Cali, that would be low end - I've seen DJs at weddings there between $1000 and $3500 for a similar service.

We are paying 1,000 even. That includes 6 hours of reception time (we don't need him for the ceremony), the dance floor lighting, the wall lighting we want, and travel expenses because he is almost 2 hours away...and we are actually getting 2 d.j's because it is him and his wife.

Ultimately, I tell my clients that I don't offer hourly packages for a wedding simply because brides, with all the respect in the world, don't know what is needed to making the event special. So deciding "do we need a DJ for 3 hrs, 5 hrs" etc. is difficult. I estimate that between bride and groom consultations, music selection and research, itinerary planning, site visits, setup, teardown and actual performance time, I probably put anywhere from 20 - 30 hours into each of my couples' big day! I'd love a 5 hour day!

All joking aside, a good DJ company will aim to be there at least a couple of hours before your guests arrive to setup, so that they can be tested, changed, and have the room looking exactly as it will be for the night. No lifting heavy speakers through your guests having cocktails!

Many DJs offer a 2nd system for the ceremony too - with/without added cost - and the good ones should be able to accommodate your ceremony, even if it is in a different place than your reception.

We are paying $725 for five hours at the reception.

Z, I'd love to know which area of the country you are in. I network all over the US with some wonderful, talented wedding DJs, and I'd love to steer you towards someone you'll cherish, who'll help you make memories - for all the RIGHT reasons!

I am in Phoenix, AZ and the venue is in Scottsdale. I have found a few that seem to include everything that I need for around 1200. I found one that was less expensive but has to travel. With those added expenses it seemed almost the same. It's more than I had hoped to pay (spent most of my budget on the venue itself) but I think Scottish DJ is right in that you don't want to risk a poor experience. What a disaster a bad DJ could be.

Yeah, $199 is great. I am in the industry and I went to a function where he happened to be DJing, and we got to talking, and then he just offered because I told him about my iPod thoughts. We have been to many meetings together, but I didn't even consider asking him. He just offered. I did try to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't hear of it. And he is very good.

Personally, unless the DJ who has to travel is "The Guy", in that he is the very best fit - never mind price - then I'd go with someone local. it makes meeting them much easier (which I ALWAYS recommend, if possible). This part of your day is so important and so personal that finding someone who connects with you both is vital.

It's the one element of the day that the VAST majority of brides wish they'd spent more (time and budget) on, and of course, after is too late. Experience is key, as is the relationship you strike up with your DJ.

We are paying $550 for ceremony and 5 hour reception, but live in a rural area in PA.

I agree, ScottishDJ. Any recommendations for Phoenix, AZ?

Ok, I have to say Scottish.. your advice is invaluable! it's wonderful of you to offer this much advice, thank you! we need more vendors like you!

Well my date is far off but I have already booked my photographer and dj entertainment. I went with Windy City Mix entertainment. They did my sister's wedding and her M.O.H, and definetly doing our wedding in January! They have an all inclusive for only $550! The friendliest people on earth and put on a great show!

@ Jenni Lynn. Thanks for your kind words. I guess I'm just always frustrated at the negative comments about my industry, and feel that people need to know there are actually PROFESSIONALS who do this for a living rather than a hobby. Part of my goal has always been to help people through what can be a very stressful time. After all, it might be YOUR first wedding, but it's not MY first wedding, so I always say, "you don't know what you don't know", but that's where a pro comes in. I've seen some great advice from other vendors here - the best will always try to educate, rather than sell!

@ Z - sorry, hun, I know a bunch on the West coast, but none in AZ (other than AZPro DJs who are very professional, but do School and College nights more than weddings).

@ Milan - congrats on finding your guys. Personal referrals are definitely the best way to get quality pros. Good luck with all your big days!

My dj charges for the hour. $175 an hour.

this includes a combination of live entertainment (he sings and plays the guitar) and djing.

if you don't want him to sing live then is $150 an hour.

It defintley vaeious by region, your best best is to start calling and asking for their base price for 4=5 hours. Our dj is travelling 6 hours, will be there from 5pm-2am, so about 9 hours, give or take, along with lights and what not, and I think it's about 1500. OUr dj is also a long time friend of my oldest brother. ANd I would n't of picked anyone else, he is a great dj

I was looking in NJ and the prices I quoted ranged from $850 to $2250. We ended up with booking someone for $1300 b/c my FH really liked him and it's really important to him.